Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided.

Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided.

Provided for herein is a method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid target molecule in a biological sample. In certain aspects, the method comprises contacting a test sample that comprises (i) a biological sample comprising a nucleic acid target molecule and (ii) an osmylated single-stranded oligonucleotide probe comprising at least one pyrimidine residue covalently bonded to a substituted or unsubstituted Osmium tetroxide (OsO.sub.4)-2,2′-bypyridine group (OsBp group).

Provided for herein is a method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid target molecule in a biological sample. In certain aspects, the method comprises contacting a test sample that comprises (i) a biological sample comprising a nucleic acid target molecule and (ii) an osmylated single-stranded oligonucleotide probe comprising at least one pyrimidine residue covalently bonded to a substituted or unsubstituted Osmium tetroxide (OsO.sub.4)-2,2′-bypyridine group (OsBp group).

Disclosed probes comprise metal nanoparticle cores associated with magnetic particles that allow probes associated with targets to be concentrated by an applied magnetic field to increase detection sensitivity and provide sufficient spacing between concentrated probes to avoid signal quenching. The probe may comprise at least one recognition receptor, and may further comprise at least one reporter molecule, such as a fluorescent tag, a Raman reporter, or combinations thereof. Concentrating probe-target composites substantially enhances a sensing signal, such as from 5 to 10 times, compared to detection without concentrating the probes. The method may be used to detect, for example, interleukins at concentrations at least as low as 25 pg/ml in sputum or blood from a subject for early and precise profiling of viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Disclosed probes comprise metal nanoparticle cores associated with magnetic particles that allow probes associated with targets to be concentrated by an applied magnetic field to increase detection sensitivity and provide sufficient spacing between concentrated probes to avoid signal quenching. The probe may comprise at least one recognition receptor, and may further comprise at least one reporter molecule, such as a fluorescent tag, a Raman reporter, or combinations thereof. Concentrating probe-target composites substantially enhances a sensing signal, such as from 5 to 10 times, compared to detection without concentrating the probes. The method may be used to detect, for example, interleukins at concentrations at least as low as 25 pg/ml in sputum or blood from a subject for early and precise profiling of viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Described herein are stabilized polymerase compositions comprising a polymerase and an polymerase stabilizing agent, such as a non-detergent zwitterionic stabilizer or a cationic ester disclosed, for use in nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid sequencing. Compositions are provided for the stabilization of one or more polymerases in a single stabilized liquid formulation. Also disclosed are methods for making and using stabilized polymerase compositions and kits for nucleic acid amplification and sequencing comprising the stabilized polymerase compositions provided.

Described herein are stabilized polymerase compositions comprising a polymerase and an polymerase stabilizing agent, such as a non-detergent zwitterionic stabilizer or a cationic ester disclosed, for use in nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid sequencing. Compositions are provided for the stabilization of one or more polymerases in a single stabilized liquid formulation. Also disclosed are methods for making and using stabilized polymerase compositions and kits for nucleic acid amplification and sequencing comprising the stabilized polymerase compositions provided.

An automated multiplex detector system includes: (a) a nucleic acid amplification compartment for amplifying nucleic acid of one or more targets in a sample, and (b) an analysis compartment in fluid communication with the amplification compartment, the analysis compartment housing a nanoparticle-based multiplex detector capable of using the amplified nucleic acid of the amplification compartment and producing a signal that correlates with the presence of the one or more targets in the sample.

An automated multiplex detector system includes: (a) a nucleic acid amplification compartment for amplifying nucleic acid of one or more targets in a sample, and (b) an analysis compartment in fluid communication with the amplification compartment, the analysis compartment housing a nanoparticle-based multiplex detector capable of using the amplified nucleic acid of the amplification compartment and producing a signal that correlates with the presence of the one or more targets in the sample.